The Common Dog Training and Walking

09/04/2025

Our Structured Walk Workshop is a single-day, hands-on session that helps you reset the walk and actually enjoy it again.

In just 2 hours, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Start the walk calm, not chaotic
✅ Handle the leash with confidence
✅ Redirect pulling, lunging, and distraction
✅ Keep your dog engaged with you, not everything else around

Small group, real-world skills, and guidance that sticks.
📍 First Class: Saturday September 27th at 9:30am 2025
💲 $65 + GST | Limited spots available
➡️ Visit our website at thecommondog.ca/groupclasses to register or learn more.

08/27/2025

Ready to build the foundation for a calm, well-mannered dog? 🐾

Our Level 1 Group Training Class is a 6-week program designed to help you and your dog master the basics like leash skills, recall and focus, while strengthening your bond.

Perfect for puppies (12 weeks+) and adult dogs new to training or in need of a refresher. Small group size, supportive environment, and real-life skills you can use every day.

📍 Starting Tuesday September 16th at 6pm in Duncan
💲 $220 + GST / 6 weeks
➡️ Visit our website at thecommondog.ca/groupclasses to register or learn more.

08/22/2025

📣 Group training is back - and we’ve got an option for every dog and their human.

📍 Level 1 Group Training
Perfect for beginners or dogs who need a refresher on the basics.

📍 Level 2 Group Training
For dogs who’ve completed Level 1 or have some structured training under their belt.

📍 The Structured Walk
A focused 2-hour session to build real-world walking skills that stick.

✨ Prefer one-on-one support? We also offer private training sessions tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

➡️ Visit thecommondog.ca/groupclasses
to register or learn more.

08/20/2025

Meet Krystal! 👋

Krystal is one of The Common Dog’s amazing K9 trainers and walkers! 🐶 She joined our team in January and has been such a great addition ever since.

With years of hands-on experience in animal care, Krystal has worked with dogs and cats in shelters across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC. While working at the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, she adopted her dog, Buster—a mixed breed, who struggled with reactivity and aggression toward both people and dogs. Supporting Buster on his journey inspired Krystal to dive deeper into dog training, focusing on helping dogs with behavioral challenges.

Through her work with rescue dogs, Krystal has developed thoughtful strategies for building canine confidence—helping dogs move past their fears, form stronger connections with people and other dogs, and enjoy happier, more fulfilling lives.

Along with walking and training, Krystal is currently available for private training sessions and also has experience leading group classes! We’re excited to share that she’ll be running her own group classes with The Common Dog starting this September—stay tuned for details!🐾

We’re so excited to watch Krystal continue to grow as a trainer, handler, and an important part of our team. ✨

Check out her Instagram account 🐕

08/14/2025

Feeling like walks are a struggle, training isn’t sticking, or your dog just isn’t getting it? You’re not alone, and we can help 💛

Our training, group classes, and structured walks are designed to meet you where you’re at. Whether your dog needs better leash skills or you just want to enjoy a more peaceful routine together, we’re here to support both of you.

We work across the Cowichan Valley and surrounding areas.

Check the link in our bio to see what’s available or shoot us a message if you’re not sure where to start 🐾
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08/11/2025

Heat warning in effect! ⚠️

Tomorrow, all Structured Walks for both South and North zones are cancelled!

Walks will continue on Tuesday as normal, but we will update you with any changes.

Stay inside and stay cool! 🥵🐾

08/07/2025

Dog-Friendly Spots We Love in the Cowichan Valley! 🐶

If you’re anything like me, your ideal day includes fresh air, local eats, and your pup by your side.

From coffee runs to pub patios, here are some of my fave dog-friendly spots around the Cowichan Valley to explore this summer!

Tag a dog parent who needs this list + shoutout any spots we missed in the comments!

08/03/2025

We’re taking a little long weekend pause for BC Day and will be closed on Monday, August 4th.

We’ll be back in action on Tuesday, August 5th, ready for all the structured walks, hikes, and training sessions your pups need. We’ll all be enjoying the cooler temps next week 😎

Enjoy the weekend, get outside, and we’ll see you next week!

07/15/2025

📣 As the summer heat ramps up, you may notice some changes to your dog’s walking or training schedule. Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of your pups!

When temperatures climb, we make adjustments or cancel walks if we feel conditions aren’t safe—whether that’s a lack of shade, high heat exposure, or limited access to water. We won’t take dogs out in extreme conditions just to “get it done.”

Comfort and care come first ✅

Thank you for understanding and trusting us to make the best call for your dog’s health and happiness 🐶🤎

07/04/2025

New pack hike days just opened up! 🐾🌲

We’re now offering Wednesday + Friday morning Structured Pack Hikes for dogs in Ladysmith, Chemainus, and Crofton!

These small group outings offer exercise AND your dog will also get calm socialization, real-world leash practice, and a structured environment to reinforce good behavior. It’s a great way to burn energy and build better habits.

📍Serving the Cowichan Valley
📲 Head to www.thecommondog.ca to get your pup on the roster!

Structured Dog Walking Services, small groups, polite socialization, on leash walks and obedience training all in one.

06/25/2025

Our Day Training program isn’t for you… if you’d rather stay stuck.

Changing behavior doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right structure and support, progress can happen faster (and more smoothly) than you think. That’s exactly what our Mobile Day Training is built for.

We come to you, work 1-on-1 with your dog, and help them practice skills like leash manners, calm behavior, recall, and reactivity in real-life settings. You’ll get a detailed recap and best next steps after each session - because progress works best when we’re all on the same page.

We’ve had a few recent pups make such quick, noticeable progress that their people were genuinely blown away. That’s what qualified, consistent guidance can do.

📍We current have availability Monday afternoons + Tuesday mornings!

Serving Cobble Hill to Ladysmith

📲 Book your initial consult through the link in bio and let’s get to work.

06/20/2025

Our Structured Walks offer peace of mind for you, and purpose for your dog. 🐾

You’ll know your pup is getting calm, focused social time with a trainer who understands how to build real-world skills and reinforce good habits.

🟡 Now booking for both North & South Zones!

North (Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton):
• Tuesday & Wednesday – PM Walks
• Thursday – AM Walk

South (Shawnigan, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Duncan, North Cowichan):
• Monday & Wednesday – PM Walks
• Tuesday & Thursday – AM Walk

📲 Ready to relax knowing your dog is in good hands? Head to www.thecommondog.ca to schedule your Meet & Greet and get started!